Beer we go, beer we go ...

FOOTBALL fans can toast the Hillmen’s semi-final success with their own special ale. GNE Bitter, which has gone on sale at four Glossop venues, has been brewed especially to mark Glossop North End’s progression into the semi-final of the FA Vase.

FOOTBALL fans can toast the Hillmen’s semi-final success with their own special ale.

GNE Bitter, which has gone on sale at four Glossop venues, has been brewed especially to mark Glossop North End’s progression into the semi-final of the FA Vase.

The bitter was the brainchild of Hadfield resident Phillip Windsor and Frank Wood from Old Glossop, who put their microbrewery in Dukinfield – Shaw’s Brewery – to good use to celebrate their shared passion for sport and real ale.

"Frank’s a big Glossop North End supporter and a liaison officer for CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ales)," said co-owner Phillip, who runs a fabric company when not brewing.

"He and I, over a pint, decided to do a special beer.

"It’s a brand new beer — this recipe has never been brewed before. It’s a light coloured, hoppy, refreshing beer."

The microbrewery, which supplies draught ale to pubs in and around Tameside and Glossop, has been going in its current form for eight years.

But it was founded on the site off Park Road in Dukinfield more than 150 years ago.

It ceased production in the 1940s and only started again when Phillip’s company, Windor’s Fabrics, bought the old site and he decided to turn his hand to making beer.

And although the pair, along with brewer Neil Hay, have made 200 gallons — or 1,600 pints — of the special bitter, they’re prepared to make another batch if the first sells well and promise to come up with new recipes if the Hillmen win against semi-final opponents Chalfont St Peter.

"If they make it to Wembley we’ll follow it up with a finalists’ beer, and if they win, with a champions’ beer," said Phillip.

GNE Bitter is on sale for a limited period at Glossop pubs The Star, The Moon and Sixpence, the Conservative Club and the Labour Club.

And in case anyone feels guilty about indulging in a little tipple, the brewery and some landlords will be making a donation to the club for every pint sold.